Investigation Leads to Largest Fentanyl Seizure in Agency History

On Tuesday, July 25^th, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department SIU deputies were observing a wanted person in Portland. The deputies watched the person walk to a vehicle, and at the opportune time, took him into custody. After obtaining a search warrant for the person’s car and apartment, SIU deputies discovered gallon-sized plastic bags packed with fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder, as well as scales, a manual-operated pill press, a commercial grade pill press, $5,000 in cash and a handgun.

While processing evidence, deputies determined the bags contained approximately 58,000 individual fentanyl pills and 16 pounds of fentanyl powder. Ten of the 16 pounds of powder was ready to be pressed using the machines into pills. A search of the firearm’s serial number revealed the handgun was reported stolen.

It’s estimated that the 10 pounds of fentanyl powder would yield approximately 50,000 pills. Deputies believe the remaining six pounds of fentanyl powder was going to remain in powder form and be sold as that. For context, if the additional six pounds of fentanyl powder was to be converted to pill form, it would yield an additional 30,000 pills.

In total, it’s estimated SIU deputies prevented the equivalent of approximately 138,000 pills from hitting Portland-area streets. The combined estimated street value of the fentanyl pills and powder is between $320,000-400,000.

For investigative reasons, officials say the identity of the subject will not be released at this time.